Power smash: technique and court positioning

What this lesson covers

The power smash serves to force opponents away from the net and keep them pinned against the back glass. For beginners and intermediates, the objective is a flat, aggressive strike aimed deep into the court. Hitting toward the center rather than the side glass maximizes the rebound distance, giving the opponent less time to react. Consistency improves by taking the ball closer to the net, ideally from the second post forward, after a setup volley has pushed the opponent back.

As skill levels increase, adding topspin allows for a more effective return to the hitter's side of the court. This requires faster racket head speed and a brushing motion on the back of the ball. While power remains a factor, the spin creates a kick off the back glass that forces the ball to arc back over the net. Advanced players hitting from behind the service line rely almost entirely on this rotation to generate the necessary height. Regardless of technique, the most effective smashes follow a deep setup volley that keeps the opponent trapped against the glass.